The Major Arcana Tarot Card Meanings

Are you interested in exploring the mysterious and powerful meanings of tarot card images? Are you fascinated by the symbols associated with major arcana cards? Have you been searching for a way to better understand tarot decks and card readings given to you, or even a desire to attempt them yourself? If so, then this exploration into the world of Major Arcana tarot cards is just what you need. In this blog post, we’ll detail fascinating insights and hidden meanings behind each card.

The Major Arcana Card Meanings

The Major Arcana in the tarot deck consists of 22 trump cards, each carrying a unique symbolic representation and profound meaning. These major arcana cards do not merely represent day-to-day trivialities; they signify major life events spiritual growth, and reflect the deep psychological undertones of our existence, while the minor arcana cards represent more mundane aspects of our lives.

They are the pillars of the tarot world, illuminating the path of self-discovery and personal evolution. Indeed, when a Major Arcana card appears in your tarot reading, it’s a call for introspection, signaling a transformative phase or a pivotal life event on the horizon.

The 22 Major Arcana Cards:

The Fool's journey card, depicting a carefree individual stepping off a cliff, unaware of the impending danger, with a small dog at their heels and mountains in the background.

The Fool (0)

Representing new beginnings and adventures, innocence, and spontaneity, The Fool embarks on a journey without knowing the destination. This card encourages taking a leap of faith and embracing the unknown, the” fool’s journey”.

The Magician card, howing a man standing at an altar with a wand in one hand, the symbols of the four tarot suits (cup, pentacle, sword, wand) before him, and an infinity symbol above his head.

The Magician (I)

Symbolizing manifestation and resourcefulness, The Magician uses tools at his disposal to create magic and indicates that you have the skills to achieve your goals. Harnessing one’s potential is the key message.

Artistic illustration of The High Priestess tarot card, portraying a woman sitting between two pillars, one black and one white, holding a scroll, with a crescent moon at her feet and a crown of stars.

The High Priestess (II)

Embodying intuition, unconscious knowledge, and mystery, she encourages trusting your inner voice and instincts. She often appears when inner wisdom is needed most.

Artistic illustration of The Empress tarot card, featuring a woman seated on a throne surrounded by a lush garden and a stream, holding a scepter and wearing a crown with twelve stars.

The Empress (III)

Denoting fertility, femininity, and nurture, The Empress suggests a time of comfort, abundance, and material success. She embodies the nurturing spirit and the beauty of life.

Artistic illustration of The Emperor tarot card, depicting a stern ruler seated on a stone throne, holding a scepter and an orb, with mountains in the background and rams' heads adorning the throne.

The Emperor (IV)

The Emperor represents structure, stability, and authority and signifies control and fatherly protection. He stands for structure and a disciplined approach.

Artistic illustration of The Hierophant tarot card, showing a religious figure seated between two pillars, with two followers kneeling before him, holding a staff with a triple cross.

The Hierophant (V)

Symbolizing tradition, conformity, and moral values, this card indicates seeking spiritual guidance or following established rituals. It often suggests a bridge between the divine and the mundane.

The Lovers card, portraying a man and a woman standing beneath an angel, with a sunlit sky behind them and a tree with a serpent on one side.

The Lovers (VI)

Denoting love, harmony, and partnership. The Lovers suggest making a decision with significant implications and aligning values with one another. This card emphasizes the power of choice and commitment.

Artistic illustration of The Chariot tarot card, featuring a warrior riding a chariot pulled by two sphinxes of opposite colors, holding a wand and wearing a crown with a star.

The Chariot (VII)

Representing determination, control, and willpower, The Chariot indicates overcoming obstacles through focus and confidence. It’s a card of victory through control.

Artistic illustration of Strength tarot card, showcasing a woman gently closing the mouth of a lion, symbolizing courage, determination, and inner strength, set against a golden background.

Strength (VIII)

Symbolizing courage, patience, and control, Strength encourages facing fears with resilience and grace. It signifies inner strength over brute force.

Artistic illustration of The Hermit tarot card, depicting an old wise man standing atop a mountain, holding a lantern that illuminates his path, signifying introspection and guidance.

The Hermit (IX)

Denoting introspection, inner guidance, and seeking answers within, The Hermit advises a period of self-reflection or solitude. It’s a call to seek inner wisdom away from external distractions.

Artistic illustration of Wheel of Fortune tarot card, featuring a large rotating wheel surrounded by four figures representing the elements (human, eagle, bull, and lion) with symbols of destiny and fate.

Wheel of Fortune (X)

Representing cycles, destiny, and unexpected change, this card suggests the ebb and flow of life and fortune’s unpredictability. It reminds us that everything is in constant motion.

Artistic illustration of Justice tarot card, portraying a figure seated on a throne, holding a set of scales in one hand and a sword in the other, symbolizing fairness, truth, and law.

Justice (XI)

Symbolizing fairness, truth, and the law, Justice advises taking responsibility for actions and seeking balance. It urges one to act with integrity and fairness.

Artistic illustration of The Hanged Man tarot card, depicting a man suspended upside-down from a wooden crossbeam, tied by one ankle, with a serene expression on his face, symbolizing surrender and a new perspective.

The Hanged Man (XII)

Denoting sacrifice, letting go, and seeing things from a new perspective it advises surrendering to the moment or re-evaluating a situation. This card prompts a pause for reflection and gaining a new viewpoint.

Death card, showcasing a skeletal figure on horseback, carrying a flag, with fallen figures and a rising sun in the background, representing transformation and endings.

Death (XIII)

Representing endings, transition, and transformation, Death suggests letting go of the old to make way for new opportunities. It signifies a time of rebirth and renewal.

Artistic illustration of Temperance tarot card, portraying an angel standing with one foot on land and the other in water, pouring liquid from one cup to another, symbolizing balance and harmony.

Temperance (XIV)

Symbolizing balance, moderation, and patience, Temperance advises finding middle ground and harmonizing opposites. It’s a call for equilibrium and understanding.

Artistic illustration of a tarot card inspired by 'The Devil', showcasing a horned, mythical figure seated on a dark throne, with chains loosely draped around two figures standing beside the throne, set against a dimly lit cavern background, symbolizing temptation, control, and mystery.

The Devil (XV)

Representing temptation, bondage, and materialism, The Devil warns against being trapped by desires or negative habits. Overcoming one’s shadows and limitations is its lesson.

Artistic illustration of The Tower tarot card, depicting a tall tower struck by lightning, with flames engulfing its top and people leaping out, symbolizing sudden upheaval and chaos.

The Tower (XVI)

Denoting upheaval, sudden change, and chaos. The Tower suggests a shake-up that may be jarring but can lead to clarity or transformation. It’s a reminder that sometimes things must fall apart to be rebuilt stronger.

Artistic illustration of The Star tarot card, showcasing a serene woman kneeling by a pond, pouring water from two jugs, with a large star shining brightly in the sky and smaller stars surrounding it, representing hope and inspiration.

The Star (XVII)

Symbolizing hope, spirituality, and inspiration, The Star indicates a time of healing and positivity. It’s a beacon of light in times of darkness.

The Moon card, portraying a moonlit night with a large moon face in the sky, two howling wolves or dogs, and a crayfish emerging from water, symbolizing intuition, dreams, and the subconscious

The Moon (XVIII)

Representing illusion, intuition, and the unconscious, The Moon advises trusting instincts but being wary of deception. It calls attention to dreams, illusions, and the shadow self.

Artistic illustration of The Sun tarot card, featuring a radiant sun shining in the sky, with a joyful child riding a white horse below, surrounded by sunflowers, symbolizing positivity, vitality, and success.

The Sun (XIX)

Denoting joy, success, and celebration, The Sun brings warmth, positivity, and clarity to any situation. It’s a card of radiant energy and life force.

Judgement card depicting an angel blowing a trumpet from the sky, with people below rising from graves, symbolizing rebirth, inner calling, and spiritual awakening.

Judgement (XX)

Symbolizing reflection, reckoning, and transformation, Judgement advises evaluating past actions and their consequences to move forward. It prompts a resurrection of sorts, bringing past deeds to light.

The World tarot card, showcasing a woman dancing inside a wreath, holding two wands, surrounded by four figures representing the elements (human, eagle, bull, and lion), symbolizing completion, accomplishment, and celebration

The World (XXI)

Representing completion, accomplishment, and celebration, The World signifies the culmination of a journey or goal. It’s the card of ultimate achievement and recognition.

Each card’s deeper essence holds profound insights and can offer guidance in various life facets.

Fortune Telling and Divination

Tarot is often used as a tool for fortune-telling and divination, where the cards are shuffled and drawn to answer questions or provide insight into a situation. The interpretation of the cards can vary depending on the reader’s intuition and the nature of the spread used. Some popular spreads include the Celtic Cross, Three Card Spread, and Seven Card Horseshoe.

Despite its association with predicting the future, tarot is also a powerful tool for introspection and self-discovery. The archetypes, themes, and symbols depicted on the cards can evoke deep reflection and offer guidance for personal growth and transformation.

Esotericism and Occultism

Tarot has also been associated with esotericism and occultism, as it is believed to hold hidden knowledge, power, and secrets. Some tarot readers incorporate elements of astrology, numerology, and other spiritual practices into their interpretations.

"Unlock the Mysteries of Tomorrow: Discover the 7 Top Online Tarot Readings Today!"

The origins of tarot are closely linked to Hermeticism, a philosophical tradition that emphasizes the connection between the divinity and the human mind. The tarot’s Major Arcana cards are said to represent the journey of the soul from material existence to spiritual enlightenment.

Personal Development and Mindfulness

In recent years, tarot has gained popularity as a tool for personal development and mindfulness. Many people use it as a way to tap into their inner wisdom, gain clarity on situations, and set intentions for the future.

Some tarot readers also use it as a form of meditation, focusing on reading a specific card or concept to deepen their understanding of themselves and the world around them.

What Does it Mean When Your Draw Consists Mostly of Major Arcana Cards?

In tarot readings, the Major Arcana cards are believed to hold significant lessons and powerful messages. When a deck draw consists mostly of Major Arcana cards, it is seen as a sign of a major life event or lesson that the querent (person asking for the reading) needs to pay attention to.

It may also indicate a strong spiritual or karmic aspect to the situation. The reader may interpret the symbolism of the cards as a call for personal growth and transformation, urging the querent to listen to their inner wisdom and make necessary changes in their life.

Conclusion – Major Arcana Card Meanings

In conclusion, the world of tarot cards is rich and fascinating, offering insights into the nature of the human experience through its symbolic themes and imagery. Whether used for divination, personal growth, or as a meditation tool, tarot cards engage our intuition and invite self-reflection.

They do not merely predict future events but guide us in exploring our inner landscapes and understanding life’s rhythms and cycles. As with other cards or any spiritual or reflective tool, the most valuable insights come not from the cards themselves but from the inner wisdom they help unveil.

The tarot, in essence, serves as a mirror of reality, reflecting our subconscious thoughts and feelings, allowing us to navigate life with greater clarity and purpose.

"Unlock the Mysteries of Tomorrow: Discover the 7 Top Online Tarot Readings Today!"

Photo of author

Christina Johnson

About the Author

My name is Christina, and I am the founder of centerspirited. Being a physiotherapist for several years I have found that many people, including myself, don’t achieve well-being only from a physical point of you. I’ve always viewed a person’s body, soul, and emotions as a whole construct of beauty. Always being a yoga enthusiast, I finally became an instructor myself. On a secret mission to capture spirituality in all of her beautiful shapes, I found myself being guided on a way through ayurvedic nutrition and lifestyle. Through this platform, I will hopefully be able to help other beautiful souls out there find their inner peace and bond with their spiritual selves.

Tarot Exit intent